Method and apparatus for manual dispensing from discrete vessels with electronic system control and dispensing data generation on each vessel, data transmission by radio or interrogator, and remote data recording

ABSTRACT

A liquid dispensing method and apparatus has a system with new individual dispensing heads connectible one each to a plurality of different liquid bottles, i.e. liquor, and a remote dispensing data receiver and computer that receives data from each head. Each head has structure for being secured to a bottle, a liquid bore and an air vent, and one or more of the following features and functions: an electronic dispensing timer, a stop pour annunciator, a magnetically latched dispensing control valve, an electronic bottle lock, a radio transmitter and antenna, an electronic fractional pour annunciator, programmable dispensing control, a microprocessor computer, a data storage, a data I/O structure, and structure and function for uniquely electrically identifying each head and liquid. The receiver/computer has a data receiver and has structure and function to electronically program each head, the computer provides a record of all important dispensing data including head connection to bottles, head numbers, liquid identities, quantities of dispense cycle, quantity of liquid dispensed, inventory status and other desirable business data.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a co-pending continuation-in-part of my U.S. Ser. No. 477,553filed Feb. 09, 1990; now U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,521.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to a method and apparatus for manual dispensingfrom discrete vessels with electronic control at each vessel and remoterecording of dispensing function data from each vessel.

The focus of this invention is methods, systems, and componentry forliquor dispensing by manual inversion of individual bottles and adiscrete electronic head on each bottle, and the provision of a newdispensing data transmitter in each head and a remote dispensing datareceiver and computational device, with a new method and apparatus forthe devisement and accumulation of the dispensing data.

THE PRIOR ART

There are many examples of liquor dispensing heads for individualbottles. An outstanding commercially successful device of this type issubject of Conry U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113 which is sold under thetrademark "POSI-POUR". The problem with these devices is that managersand employees cheat and short change the owners. The ball valvemechanism on Conry frequently gums up and the head has to be removed andwashed out.

Complete and costly remote systems such as those devised and patented byJoseph Shannon are one (and a costly) solution, but the bottles areremoted, the bartender entertainment element is lost, and the system isexpensive and requires hard plumbing into the physical building.

Reichenberger U.S. Pat. No. 3,170,597 is a liquor dispensing systemhaving dispenser heads which secure to individual bottles.

Reichenberger U.S. Pat. No. 3,170,597 is a method and apparatus fordispensing liquor wherein a plurality of individual dispensing headsmechanically secure and lock to individual liquor bottles for manualpour of the liquor, with a remote radio receiver and recorder receivingdispensing signals from a radio transmitter in each head.

The dispensing head has a mechanical lock structure that retains thehead to the bottle for preventing cheating. Operation of the lockrequires a conventional key and therefore a manager type individual hasto remove and install the head from the bottle as each bottle isemptied, and replaced with a new full bottle. Operation of the lockdevice requires a time consuming partial disassembly and re-assembly ofthe head during removal and reinstallation. During dispensing operationwith this system, it is apparent that a manager must oversee thereplacement of bottles on the heads.

The Reichenberger bottle and head normally stand upright and aremanually inverted for dispensing. The head has a battery and a mercuryswitch that causes the transmitter to emit a signal when the bottle andhead are tilted to a dispensing position. The transmitter is arranged toemit an amplitude or pulse modulated signal, the rate of which may bedetermined by the liquor, so that the liquor flowing out will bemeasured in accordance with the number of beeps or pulses sent out bythe transmitter to the receiver during the flow of liquor. Reichenbergerstates that inasmuch as liquor flows at a given rate through a givensize spout, a certain number of beeps or pulses will be transmitted andreceived and the particular number of beeps will indicate and recordaccurately the amount of liquor dispensed. The radio receiver andrecorder may be provided with various counting and recording mechanismscommon to the electronic receiver art. The intention of this system isto establish a record of all materials dispensed from the bottles.

A second embodiment of Reichenberger combines a conventional positivedisplacement volumetric single or double jigger measuring chamber device(that is assumed to be in the head) with a transmitter that emits asingle signal in accordance with the closing of the switch to indicatedispensation of one chamber volume of liquid.

I have found that Reichenberger's teachings are extremely speculative,that these bottle head dispensers do not operate as he indicates, andhave come to the conclusion that his patent is probably a concept onpaper.

Firstly, I have found that the liquor does not flow at a given ratethrough a given size spout. The flow rate varies considerably during adispensing period; specifically when the bottle and head are inverted,the flow rate starts slowly and increases and then falls off as an airvent and vacuum in the bottle, and the height of the beverage in thebottle eventually stabilize the flow rate. As a specific example, if asingle shot of liquor is dispensed, beeps will be produced. However, iftwo or more shots are dispensed during a single inversion of the bottle,2 beeps will not be produced because the flow rate increases during thedispensing and the second unit of liquor flows faster than the firstunit. Further, the dispensing of three, four, five or six shots, as anexample, will not produce 3, 4, 5 or 6 beeps. There is no recognition orcompensation in the Reichenberger method or apparatus for the relativelyslow flow rate during the start-up of dispensing and the relativeincrease in flow rate as dispensing continues.

There is no function or structure in Reichenberger for differentdispensing techniques by different people, or for different techniquesin different businesses.

There is no function or structure for variations in flow rate betweendifferent beverages. For example, a high alcohol low Brix liquor likevodka flows very fast whereas a high Brix liquor such as the expensivecremes and flavored liqueurs flow relatively slowly.

There is no function or structure for identifying which beverage hasbeen dispensed. As an example, there may be 100 different liquors. Whichone was poured?

There is no function or structure for count of bottles brought on andbottles empties. How does an owner determine than an entire bottle didnot vanish?

There is no function or structure for inactivation of the transmitterduring removal from the bottle. For example, if the bottle and head, orhead is/are inverted during removal and changing, signals will be sentto the receiver and provide inaccurate tally of dispensing. The head maynot even be inverted for a water flush or wash. If the head could beinactivated, then it is relatively easy to cheat system.

There is no function or structure in Reichenberger to indicate thequantity dispensed, so the operator has to use an intermediate measuringvessel as shown in FIG. 3, with the Reichenberger preferred structure ormethod.

Further, an individual with a key can move the Reichenberger head frombottle to bottle, and can remove the head and replace the head and norecord is made of these events. Dilution and/or substitution ofdispensed beverage is unchecked. The manager can even give a key to anemployee for purpose of defeating the accounting system.

The Reichenberger method and apparatus are totally dependent upon themanager(s) of the system, and in most retail establishments that areopen for business on all days/evenings, there are several shift managersfor each dispensing system. Further, this method and apparatus enablesrelatively long circumvention of proper tax payment on dispensedbeverage. At the end of a business period, the Reichenberger's recordermay read "13,763" for example. What does this mean?--"13,763" what?

Further, in this type of bottle dispensing head, no one has ever deviseda flow indicator in the head, or a vlave device in a bottle dispensinghead that may be selectively or automatically controlled to shut offdispensing. The only quantity devices have been position displacementchambers such as the single/double jigger device referred to byReichenberger, and the dampener displacement control devices such as inConry U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113.

Another example of a recording dispenser for bottles is the subject ofWilson U.S. Pat. No. 4,436,223. Wilson has a bottle head that has abattery, a three digit count display, three RCA 4026 electronic chips todrive the display, and a pair of conductivity probes in the spout tosense the presence of conductive liquid in the spout. The displayindicates the relative number of times that conductive liquid is presentin the spout. The Wilson head for example will indicate "796" if it hashad liquid in the spout 796 times. There is no provision for removal ofthe Wilson head from the bottle, or placement upon other bottles. WithWilson, an entire bottle can be emptied in a single pour and onlyindicate "001". The read can then be padded by holding the head under afaucet and turning the ? on and off, or by repeated immersion in andremoval from a sink.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide new methods and apparatusfor dispensing beverages from individual vessels, specifically bottles,with new and improved beverage dispensing heads and functions.

It is an object of this invention to provide new methods and apparatusfor dispensing liquid from a plurality of discrete vessels, withdistinguishing electronic identification of each liquid.

It is an object of this invention to provide new methods and apparatusfor dispensing liquid from discrete vessels, with electronic program ofindividual dispensing heads on each vessel.

It is an object of this invention to provide new methods and apparatusfor electronically coding identification of dispensing heads onplurality of liquid bottles.

It is an object of this invention to provide new methods and apparatusfor providing business data from the dispensing of liquid from aplurality of bottles.

It is an object of this invention to provide new methods and apparatusfor pouring liquid from bottles wherein a dispensing head on each bottlehas a microcomputer which is programmable for the liquid in the bottle.

It is an object of this invention to provide new methods and apparatusfor dispensing liquids from bottles, with adjustable dispensing stopsignal structure and function being provided on each bottle.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved methodsand apparatus for dispensing liquid with manual dispensing directly fromhand held containers with electronic annunciation and/or telemetry ofdispensing signals and data.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved methodsand apparatus for annunciation of liquid dispensing from discretecontainers.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved methodsand apparatus for dispensing liquid from an invertible bottle anddispensing head, having new magnetic valving structure and function.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improveddispensing methods and apparatus for connection to bottles, having anon-board clock timer and electrically controlled dispensing shut offstructure and function.

It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved methodsand apparatus of dispensing wherein a pouring and accounting structureand function is electronically locked to a discrete bottle.

It is an object to provide a new and improved methods and apparatus fordispensing liquor from bottles, with portion control on the bottle,transmission of dispensing data, and remote recordation and managementof the data.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods of dispensing liquid from a bottle have the steps of connectinga head to the bottle, electronically identifying the head and the bottlecontents, sensing and recording each dispensing operation, and producinga record of the dispensing operation of each head and liquid.

Beverage dispensing apparatus has a plurality of dispensing headsconnectible to discrete bottles, electronic hardware for identifyingbeverage through each individual head, a remote receiver for receivingdispensing data from each head, and hardware for providing data on eachhead and beverage.

Methods of dispensing beverage have the steps of connecting a discretedispensing head to each of a plurality of bottles, reading the bottlesand identifying the beverage therein, and electronically programming thehead to pour a predetermined quantity of the identified beverage.

Dispensing apparatus has a body with a bottle connector, programmableelectronic control hardware on the body, and a data center havingstructure to electronically program the control hardware.

Methods of dispensing have the steps of connecting discrete heads tobottles, reading each bottle and identifying the beverage therein,electronically coding each head, transmitting identification anddispensing data from each head to a remote data center, and providing adata record for each head and specific beverage.

Beverage dispensing apparatus has a head, electronic identificationmeans in said head, and hardware remote from the head for coding theidentification means.

Methods of dispensing liquid from bottles have the steps of connectingheads to bottles, sensing dispensing from each bottle, transmittingradio signals that dispensing has started with an I.D. of the specifichead, sensing termination of dispensing, transmitting a second radiosignal that dispensing has stopped with an I.D. of the head, andproviding a dispensing record of each head.

A beverage dispensing system has individual heads on discrete bottles,each head having radio hardware for identifying the particular head, aremote radio receiver, and hardware connected to the receiver foridentifying dispensing for each head.

Methods of dispensing liquid from a bottle have the steps of connectinga head to a bottle, inverting the head and bottle, starting timerhardward in the head, timing the pour from the bottle, signaling whenthe pour is done, and terminating dispensing in response to the signal.

Liquid dispensing apparatus has a body connectible to a bottle, a valve,a battery, a switch for sensing dispensing, a timer connectible to thebattery by the switch, and electromagnetic coil operatively connected tothe valve, and a driver controlled by the timer for connecting the coilto the battery to stop dispensing.

Liquid metering apparatus for a bottle has a body, a battery, a timer, aswitch, and an annunciator to signal the stop of dispensing while thebottle and connected body are inverted.

Methods of dispersing liquid from a bottle have the steps of inverting anormally upright connected bottle and dispensing head, signalling atimer that the bottle has been inverted, timing the inversion of thebottle, annunciating when a predetermined time has elapsed, andreverting the head and bottle to upright in response to theannunciating.

An annunciator module for a liquid dispenser has a battery, anelectrical switch responsive to inversion, a clock for timing inversion,and an annunciator connectible to the battery by the switch and thetimer to signal a predetermined time of inversion.

Methods of dispensing liquid from a bottle has the steps of magneticallylocking a ferrous valve member to a magnetized valve latch pad indispensing head secured to a bottle, manually inverting the bottle, anddemagnetizing the pad to close the valve and terminate dispensing.

Liquid dispensing apparatus has a body connectible to a bottle, a valvechamber, a ferrous pole piece and ferrous valve in the chamber, apermanent magnet attached to the pole piece, a battery, anelectromagnetic coil to neutralize pole piece magnetism, and a switch toconnect the battery to the coil to release the valve and stopdispensing.

Methods of dispensing liquid have the steps of latching one magneticpole of a permanent magnet to a ferrous pole piece, electromagneticallymagnetizes the pole piece and repelling the magnet off of the pole pieceto change a dispensing valve, re-magnetizing the pole piece, andrelatching the magnetic pole to make a second valve change.

A liquid dispensing head has a body with a valve seal, a permanentmagnet core, a ferrous pole piece to which one pole of the core islatched, a DC electromagnetic coil for the pole piece, and a dispensingcontrol for electromagnetically demagnetizing the pole piece causing thevalve to move and change state.

Methods of dispensing have the steps of opening a valve, magneticallylatching the valve open, dispensing liquid past the latched valve,timing the period of latching, switching DC power to an electromagneticcoil after a predetermined time period, polarizing the coil toneutralize the magnetic latch, and unlatching and closing the valve.

A liquid dispensing head has a body, a valve, a battery, a valveoperating structure with a permanent magnet, ferrous piece, and DC coil,a switch and a timer to cause the switch to energize the DC coil andcause the magnet and pole piece to move apart and to rejoin to changedispensing states.

Methods of dispensing have the steps of connecting a dispensing head toa vessel, changing mode in an electrical switch during connecting,recording the switch mode change, dispensing the vessel contents,sensing and communicating dispensing data on the battle contents,removing the head from the vessel, communicating the removal switchchange, and producing a log of connecting, dispensing and removal eventsfor the vessel.

A liquid dispensing head has a body connectible to a vessel, signalstructure engageable with the vessel when the body connected to orremoved from the vessel, structure for recording connection and removalof the head to/from the vessel, and structure for communicating theconnection/removal signal to the recording structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of the preferred embodiment of anelectronically controlled liquid dispensing system, for practicing themethods of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a first preferred dispensing head; in partial section, in themethod and apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a wiring schematic of the dispensing annunciator in the headof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a timing chart for the annunciator and head of FIGS. 3 and 4;

FIG. 5 is a second preferred dispensing head in the method and apparatusof FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a view of the head of FIG. 5 inverted;

FIG. 7 is a third preferred embodiment of a dispensing head in themethod and apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a fourth preferred embodiment of a dispensing head in themethod and apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is an isolated view of the radio transmitter module for thedispensing heads of FIGS. 5-8;

FIG. 10 is a schematic of the electronics in the method and apparatus ofFIG. 1, the heads of FIGS. 2, and 5-9 and the module of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is code pulse train breakdown for the method and apparatus ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a wave form chart for the method and apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a timing chart for a dispensing event in the method andapparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a schematic of an alternative preferred dispensing systemhaving programmable heads and alternative historic data transmission;

FIG. 15 is a cross-section view of a commercial embodiment of thestructure of FIGS. 5 and 6;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view through lines XVI--XVI of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic of an alternative preferred embodiment of thedispensing head of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a schematic of the preferred embodiment of the system of thepresent invention, this liquid dispensing system being generallyindicated by the numeral 10 and in the preferred embodiment being forliquor, liqueurs and other high value beverages for human consumption.

The system 10 has at least one and typically a plurality of dispensingheads 12 which are fluid tightly securable to discrete and individualbeverage bottles 14. A plurality of operatively adjoined bottles 14 andheads 12 are shown in on-line inventory (on a shelf such as commonlyseen in a back bar) awaiting use, and are designated as having beverages001,023, 107, and 002. A plurality of heads 12, i.e. two, are showndisconnected from bottles and available for connection to a bottle 14for future use. A plurality of operatively adjoined heads 12 and bottles14, designated as having beverages 003, and 088 are shown dispensingsimultaneously. It will be appreciated that the tilted or invertedadjoined bottles 14 and heads 12 shown in the inverted pour ordispensing positions are being manually held by a person and that thepour or dispensing is being done manually by the people holding theadjoined bottle 14 and heads 12. A single serving or quantity ofbeverage 088 is shown being dispensed into a single glass. Typically thedispensing of this single serving will be a single uninterrupted flowfrom the dispensing head 12. Five glasses are shown being filled withbeverage 003, all of these lined-up glasses will typically be filled ina single uninterrupted flow as the bartender fills glasses A-E by movingthe adjoined and inverted bottle 14 and flowing dispensing head 12 fromone glass to another, i.e. A to B, B to C, C to D, and so forth, withoutinterruption of flow, to speed dispensing up. This type of dispensing istypically done with popular generic bar beverages. Note that glass B hastwice as much dispensed beverage as and a higher fill level than theadjacent glasses A and C, and that glass D is being filled and glass Eremains to be filled and that glass E is of a different shape and willhave a quite different fill level for a given single or multiple unit ofbeverage. Glass D will also have a visually different fill level becauseof an uncertain quantity of ice. Each head 12 has an antenna 16 (whichmay be and preferably is internal and normally not visible) for sendinga radio dispensing data signal to a receiver antenna 18 on a remotereceiver 20. An on-site dispensing data center 22 includes the receiver20 with an associated decoder and interface, a bar code reader 23 forreading the product bar code on each bottle 14, a computer 24 (whichwill preferably have a keyboard), an interrogator 25 for communicatingwith the heads 12, a printer 26, and a cashier interface 28. An on-sitemodem 30 may also be provided.

A remote data management center 32 includes a remote modem 34 and aremote I/O station 36 which is connectable by a communication link 38 tothe on-site center 22. The on-site center 22 will include any otherdesired connection hardware and will typically be in the same buildingas the heads 12. The remote center 32 may be in the same building, at aremote management office, at the beverage suppliers facility, at anaccountants, in several locations, and so forth. The remote center 32 isutilized for business purposes, and may be physically integrated intothe on-site center 22 if so desired. There may be a plurality of remotecenters 32.

The dispensing head 12 is an important part of this invention and theuse of at least four different types of dispensing heads 12 in one ormore installations of the system 10 contemplated. The different heads12A, 12B, 12C, 12D which will hereinafter described, may be used in acombination or in an exclusive arrangement in the system 10. As anexample, the system 10 may be exclusive and use only heads 12A, or onlyheads 12C, and so forth. As a second example, the system 10 may use acombination of two or more, or all of the heads 12 concurrently. As anexample, a single system 10 may use heads 12A and 12C, it may use heads12B and 12C, or it may use heads 12A, 12B, 12C and 12D as well as futureheads 12 that are yet to be devised, or which are derivatives of theherein disclosed heads 12.

FIGS. 2-9 show the mechanical and structural features and functions ofpreviously referred to four heads 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

FIG. 2 illustrates the first of the dispensing heads 12A in partialcutaway relative to a portion of the bottle 14. Head 12A has a body 40Awith a pouring nozzle or spout 42A having an open liquid bore 44Atherethrough, an atmospheric air vent 46A, and a fastening structure 48Ato secure the head 12A to the bottle 14. This head 12A and the completefastening structure 48A in particular, is shown and described in myco-pending Arganious E. Peckels U.S. patent application Ser. No. 477,553filed on Feb. 9, 1990, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,044,521, the teachings ofwhich are incorporated hereinto by specific reference. It is to beappreciated the fastening structure 48 on any of these heads 12 can bealternative and conventional structure such as is now in common use; aspecific example being shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113. In the head12A, flow of liquid through the spout 42A is unobstructed and notdirectly controlled; i.e., the entire bottle 14 can be emptied in asingle inversion or pour.

An integral component of this head 12A is an attached electronicdispensing annunciator module 48 having at least one annunciator 50which is preferably a light emitting diode (LED) 50. The annunciator 50is normally off and intermittently beeps or blinks on to indicate orannunciate the dispensing and delivery of a specific or repetitivelyidentical volume of liquid, presuming that the bottle 14 has liquid init. The module 48 includes an attitude sensitive normally off (NO)switch 52, such as a mercury switch or alternatively a normally open(NO) reed switch actuated by a magnet that can slide up and down pastthe reed switch during attitude change of the bottle 14 and head 12A.The actuator switch 52 is operatively connected to a battery 54 and toan electronic timer 56. In basic operation of the head 12A, the usergroups and inverts the adjoined bottle 14 and head 12A to pour liquid.The switch 52 closes upon the inversion and start of pouring, and startsthe timer 56. When the timer 56 times out a predetermined time period,the timer 56 provides a control signal to the annunciator 50 which ismomentarily enabled to indicate that a specific predetermined volume ofliquid has been poured and dispensed. The LED annunciator 50 will blinkwhen enabled; an audio annunciator would beep or buzz.

The module 48 may be provided with a second annunciator 50B and/or athird annunciator 50C which are also preferably LED's. The second LED50B will also be operatively connected to the timer 56 and is afractional annunciator 50B to indicate pouring of a fractional, partial,i.e. one-half, volume of liquid from the head 12A. The secondannunciator or LED 50B will normally be off, and will blink or beep whenenabled. The third annunciator 50C or LED is an anticipation or warningannunciator 50C that warns that the primary annunciator 50 is about tobe enabled and the end of the integral time period is near. The singleprimary annunciator 50 gives very good manual control of the volume ofliquid dispensed in integral units of volume, i.e. 1,2,3,4, . . .volumes. The secondary annunciator 50B provides very good manual controlof the volume of liquid dispensed in integral and fractional units ofvolume, i.e. 1/2, 1, 1-1/2, 2, 2-1/2 . . . volumes. This secondaryannunciator 50B structure and function is particularly useful in liquordispensing where fractional and/or half shots are frequently used formixed drinks. The third annuniciator 50C provides extremely good andrepetitive manual control of the dispensing of repetitively identicalquantities of liquid. The human user reacts more precisely to theprimary annunciator 50 after the third annunciator 50C signal. The timer56 may be fixed or adjustable; regardless the head 12A provides a veryhigh repeat accuracy from pour to pour. An audible annunciator 50 may beused in place of or in combination with a visual (LED) annunciator 50.If the battery 54 becomes discharged or for some other reason the head12 becomes inoperative, the annunciator 50 will repetitively blink toindicate the problem.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of the preferred electrical componentry and wiringof the annunciator module 48. The timer 56 includes clock chip 58, whichmay be a CD4060BE, operatively connectable directly to the battery 54via the switch 52, and to a CD4051BE dispensing and annunciator controlchip 60 which may be a CD4051BE. The switch 52 is connected to the clockchip 58 through an input delay circuit 62 having a capacitor C1 andresistor R1 tap to ground. The delay circuit 62 will provide a typicaldelay in the way of 300 m sec plus or minus, or up to 1/2 second incertain embodiments, and may be fixed or adjustable. Typical fixedvalues are 0.047 of C1 and 10 meg R1, or 0.1 of C1 and 47 meg R1. Analternative variable R1 provides a variable initial delay andcomplexity. A control time-out circuit 64 is connected between pins 9,10 and 11 of the clock 58. Capacitor C2 and resistor R3 control thetimer frequency; resistor R2 is a bias resistor in the circuit 64.

It is preferably that R3 be adjustable for providing adjustability ofthe integral unit and fractional unit dispensing timing. Outputs fromthe clock chip 58 are communicated via a multiplexer 66 to theannunciator control chip 60 which will then at the proper time enablethe integral unit annunciator 50, the fractional unit annunciator 50B,and the unshown warning annunciator 50C which would be connected to oneof the otherwise unused output pins of annunciator control chip 60. Itis preferable that the multiplexer 66 and annunciator control chip 60 beintegrated into a single chip such as a CD4051 which is generallyreferred to as a "1 out of 8 decoder".

FIG. 4 is a representative and typical event timing chart illustratingwhat happens and how the head 12A operates with the annunciator module48. Firstly, as the head 12 is inverted and the switch 52 closes, theinitial delay period 68 occurs and provides at least two functionaloperations. If the delay 68 is not completed, it is assumed that thedispense start signal from switch 52 is false and the annunciator module48 ceases function and resets to relative zero. Upon completion of thedelay 68, timing of fractional timed dispensing periods 70 and integraltimed dispensing periods 72 continues indefinitely, up to a cumulativetime-out termination to be explained later. If an optional audioannunciator 74 is used in combination with the integral unit annunciator50 and fractional unit annunciator 50B, the audio annunciator 74 beepsonly with the integral annunciator 50 enablement. The shown event timingchart will be changed for various and different liquids of differentflow characteristics.

The delay period 68 immediately after time zero, allows the flow ofliquid through the head 12A to start up and come up to a normal rate. Asis apparent, the total time (68 and 72) provided to the first occurringannunciation is longer than the period to subsequent annunciations in asingle cycle of pour.

Returning to FIG. 1, lower right portion of the drawing, it will beapparent that this first head 12A is particularly useful and effectivefor dispensing of relative high volume average value beverages intoreceptacles (glasses) of various geometric and/or with various fills ofice cubes or previous beverage mix. As an example, the user (bartender)can fill one unit into glass A, 2 units into glass B, one unit intoglass C, a fractional or more unit into ice-cube filled glass D, and afraction or integral unit into relatively tall slender glass E. The userdoes not need to rely upon the fill height in the receptacles and doesnot need to stop and restart between receptacles. The single pour intothese lined up receptacles of various size and configuration can becontinuous, uninterrupted, fast, least costly, and of consistentlyrepetitive and correct volume. As shown, the head 12A may also have ahead antenna 16 and a dispensing head data transmitter module 76 forpurposes to be explained.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the mechanical construction of second type ofdispensing head 12B having a body 40B fastened to the bottle, with aspout 42B, a bore 44B extending from the spout 42B into the bottle 14and air vent 46B into the bottle 14. The bore 44B has an entrancesection 78 leading from the bottle 14 to a valve chamber 80. On thedownstream side of the valve chamber 80 in an inward facing valve seat82, and at the upstream side of the valve chamber 80 is a valve pocketor nest 84. The entrance section 78 preferably fluidly adjoins thechamber 80 between the seat 82 and the pocket 84. The pocket 84 has aliquid weir 86 between itself and the entrance section 78 to retain apool of wetting liquid in the pocket 84. The bottom of the pocket 84comprises a ferrous pole piece 88 which has a corrosion resistantcoating such as chromium or Teflon in the concavity of the pocket 84.Within the chamber 80 is a loose ferrous valve 90, which is preferably aball and which is normally within the pocket 84 and upon a chamber endhead 92 of the pole piece 88. The pole piece 88 is naturally low ornon-magnetic and the chamber end head 92 preferably has a tri-pod orvalve support and latch pad 94 upon which the valve 90 sits in directvalve 90 to pole piece 88 physical contact. The pole piece 88 iselongate away from the chamber 80 and has a shank 96 extending to anouter end 98.

A polarized permanent magnet 100 is secured directly upon and inphysical contact with the pole piece outer end 98. As is shown, onemagnet 100 pole end (i.e. North) is upon and in physical contact withthe pole piece outer end 98 and therefore the entire pole piece 88becomes magnetic North and the valve 90 becomes magnetically latched tothe pole piece 88, within the pocket 84. Note the valve chamber 80 andvalve pocket 84 have some type of a barrier or guide structure 102 tokeep the valve 90 out of the entrance section 78 and to direct the valve90 into the pocket 84 and onto the latch pad 94 when the head 12B isturned upright. An electromagnetic coil 104 is wound around the elongatepole piece shank 96 and is operatively connected to a normally off andselectively actuatable source of direct current (DC) power in anelectronic control module 106 that has a battery 54. It is importantthat the coil 104 be wound and that the battery 54 be selectivelyconnected to the coil 104 so that the coil 104, when energized alwayshas a coil near end 108 polarity immediately adjacent the chamber endhead 88 which is opposite to the polarity implied to the pole piece 88by the permanent magnet 100. Specifically, if the magnet 100 has Northattached to the pole piece 88, the coil end 108 will be South whenenergized. If the magnet 100 has South attached to the pole piece 88,the coil end 108 will be North when energized. When the bottle 14 andhead 12B are upright as shown in FIG. 5, the valve 90 rests upon and ismagnetically held and latched in place upon the pole piece 88. The valveseat 82 is normally open (NO) and the entire bore 44B is open.

FIG. 6 illustrates the head 12B in the alternative inverted position fordispensing wherein liquid is pouring out of the bottle 14 through theentrance section 78, through the chamber 80 and valve seat 82, and outof the spout bore 44B. During this dispensing or pour flow of liquid,the valve 90 is held up in the valve pocket 84, latched to the polepiece 88 by the magnetism of the permanent magnet 100 as carried throughthe pole piece 88 to the valve latch pad 94. When it is time toterminate dispensing, the coil 104 is momentarily activated and theresulting momentary opposite pole electromagnetic field in the coil nearend 108 momentarily cancels and neutralizes the permanent magnetic fieldholding and latching the valve 90 up, whereupon the valve 90 falls offof the inverted pole piece 88 and downward onto the valve seat 82 toobstruct the bore 44B and terminate dispensing from the head 12B . Whenthe bottle 14 and head 12B are returned to the normal head 12B upposition, the valve 90 falls by gravity out of the valve seat 82 andback onto the valve latch pad 94 whereupon the valve 90 becomesmagnetically relatched to the pole piece 88 and all liquid in thechamber 80 and entrance 78 flows back into the bottle 14, save for awetting quantity in the valve pocket 84. To intentionally dry the valvepocket 84, a drain port 110 is provided from the pocket 84 to theentrance section 78. Both the pocket 84 and the valve 90 are preferablyTeflon coated to eliminate corrosion and/or sticking.

The head 12B also has a data transmitter module 76 and antenna 16attached to it. The structure and operation of the data transmittermodule 76 will be explained later. This valved head 12B is ideallysuited for the precise dispensing of single and/or fractional servingsof consistently repetitive identical volume. The quantity of theservings is easily adjustable by control of the timing for theenergization of the coil 104.

The head 12B may be controlled by the same control module 48 and thesame timer 56 that is shown in FIG. 3. The output of pin 7 of theannunciator control chip 60 would be connected directly to the coil 104,and would provide automatic shut off at a complete single unit pour. Ifthe head 12B is to pour fractional units, an option fractional(half-shot) normally open (NO) switch 112 is inserted connectingfractional output pin 3 of the annunciator control chip 60 in parallelwith full unit output pin 7, to the coil 104. Either the fractional orintegral unit output will then terminate dispensing. Manual closing ofthe fractional switch 112 effects a fractional unit pour from and shutoff of the head 12B. The fractional switch 112 may also be provided inthe first head 12A, to provide a fractional annunciation when wanted.

FIG. 7 illustrates a third embodiment of a preferred dispensing head,designated as 12C. This head 12C has what we refer to as a schuttle orpolar solenoid 114 that has an internal movable permanent magnet core116 operatively connected by a stem 118 to a valve element 120 whichwill close a valve seat 122 in the spout 42 of the head body 40C. Thepolar solenoid 114 has a ferrous near pole plate 124, and a ferrous farpole plate 126, which are one on each end of a central direct current(DC) coil 128 and which are spaced from each other by the coil 128. Thecoil 128 is electrically connected to the dispensing control module 106Cwhich has essentially the same circuiting as the modules 48, 106 forheads 12, 12B save for unique features to be described. The polarsolenoid 114 is bi-stable with the magnetic core 116 in either positionand the valve 120 may be in either of a closed (as shown) position, oran alternative open position. The geometry of the valve 120 and seat 122may also be reversed from what is shown so that the valve 120 movesoutward in the spout bore 44C to open for dispensing. When the polarsolenoid 114 is in the position shown, the core 116 is magneticallylatched to the near pole plate 124. A momentary pulse of DC current,selectively polarized, will cause the solenoid coil 128 to becomemomentarily magnetized with a North field and causing the near poleplate 124 to be N and the far pole plate 126 to be N, whereupon themagnetic core 116 will jump off of the near pole plate 124 and movetowards the far pole plate 126 until the S end of the magnetic core 116contacts and latches to the far pole plate 126. When the momentary pulseto the coil 128 is terminated, the core 116 remains magnetically latchedto the now magnetically neutral far pole plate 126. When it is desiredto subsequently have the valve 120 assume the other mode, the controlmodule 106C provides a momentary pulse of relatively reversed polarityof DC to the coil 128 causing a South field whereupon the magnetic core116 jumps to and latches its N end to the near pole plate 124. Thisoscillation of the magnetic core 116, stem 118 and valve 120 back andforth occurs during each dispensing cycle of the start, pour and stopsteps.

The body 40C has an ambient air vent 46C having a vent inlet 125, a ventoutlet 127 inside the bottle 14, and a normally closed (NC) vent valve129 between the vent inlet 125 and vent outlet 127. The vent valve 129is structurally secured to the valve stem 118 and is co-movable with thecore 116 and the valve 120. The liquid valve 120 and vent valve 129 areboth closed at the same time, and are both open at the same time.

The initial start of the pour can be effected by an attitude sensitiveswitch 52, as is shown in FIG. 2, or by an alternative and similarlywired switch 52C under control of a manual actuator 130 which ispreferably a push button. A fractional manual actuator 132, which isalso preferably a push button, may also initiate dispensing by operatingfractional switch 112 of FIG. 3, as well as the start switch 52C. Thepulse to change the mode of the coil 116 and the valve 120 to terminatedispensing will be from either of the integral or fractional outputterminals of the control chip 60. This head 12C may also be equippedwith the data transmitter module 76 and antenna 16 for purposes to beexplained.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fourth preferred embodiment of a manual liquiddispensing head 12D, wherein the head 12D has a body 40D with a spout 42having an open and unobstructed liquid bore 44D, and an ambient air vent46. The head 12D has a data transmitter module 76 with an antenna 16,with the transmitter module 76 being activated by means for indicatingliquid flow which may be the attitude sensitive switch 52 or which maybe other alternative structure such as conductivity probes 132. The head12D carries its own battery 54. It is to be clearly understood that thishead 12D may be without any type of shut off and/or annunciator and isan operative and useful new dispensing head 12D together with the newdata transmitter module 76, the structure and operation of which will besubsequently explained. This head 12D may also be equipped with aconventional or novel mechanical volumetric flow control 133, such asthat shown and described in Conry U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113.

An important feature and function that is illustrated in FIG. 8 is a newelectromechanical bottle lock, generally indicated by the numeral 134.The bottle lock 134 includes a lock switch 136 that is operativelyconnected to the data transmitter module 76. The lock switch 136 ispreferably a normally open (NO) hermetically sealed reed switch that ismounted in the body 40D. The lock switch 136 is operated by a mechanism138 having a movable magnet 140 biased toward the bottle 14 by a spring142. A mechanical bottle probe 144 is secured to the magnet 140 and isalso biased by the spring 142 to normally into the position of thebottle 14, and as shown the probe 144 preferably extends out of anannular collar 146 of the body 40 alongside of a tubular bottleconnector 147 and outside of a bottle seal 145. The entire plungermechanism 138 is operatively contained in a lock bore 148. The magnet140 can be driven by other mechanisms that mechanically sense theconnection of a bottle 14 to the head 12D.

In operation of the lock switch 136, the probe 144 normally projects outof the collar 146 and the magnet 140 is alongside the lock switch 136,causing the switch 136 to be in a first mode, preferably open, thatindicates the head 12D is not on a bottle 14. When the head 12D isplaced upon a bottle 14, the probe 144 physically engages the annularrim around the mouth of the bottle 14, and is pushed into the body 40Dand the magnet 140 is moved away from the switch 136, whereupon theswitch 136 changes mode, preferably to closed, to indicate the head 14Dhas been placed upon a bottle 14. When the head 12D is removed from thebottle 14, the probe 144 pops out, the magnet 140 moves away from theswitch 136 and the switch 136 changes mode again to NO to indicate thehead 12D has been removed from the bottle 14. Each time the lock switch136 changes modes, the data transmitter module 76 provides out a signalindicating that a bottle connection or dis-connection event has takenplace, specifically that the head 12D has been installed or removed toor from a bottle 14.

Although the bottle lock 134 is shown only on the fourth head 12D, thisis for purposes of clarity only. The bottle lock 134 is a preferred andhighly desirable feature and function that goes with the datatransmitter module 76, and the bottle lock 134 is useably installable onall four heads 12, 12B, 12C, 12D as well as other existing and yet to bedevised alternative heads 12 of specific structure not herein shown.

Also shown in FIG. 8 is a liquid temperature transducer 149 which ismounted in the liquid bore 44D and preferably quite far upstream in theconnector 147 and the liquid inlet. The electronic temperaturetransducer 149 is operatively connected to the timing clock 58 and thepredetermined time periods are automatically extendible for relativelycold slow flowing liquid and compressible for relatively warm fasterflowing liquid.

In as much as the bottle lock 134 is particularly useful together withthe data transmitter module 76, it is preferable that the bottle lock 76be integrated into the data transmitter module 76 as shown in FIG. 9.The complete data transmitter module 76, will have a plastic housing 150within which is the battery 54, the bottle lock 134, the lock switch136, the magnet 140, spring 142, probe 144 and antenna 16. The datatransmitter module 76 also has terminals 152 for connection to theattitude or pour control switch 52, and at least one assembly tab 152for sonic or other assembly to the head body 40. The data transmittermodule 76 can be attached to any of the heads 12, 12B, 12C, 12D with orwithout the preferred bottle lock 134, and can be connected to otherheads, such as Conry U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113 also. In FIG. 9, the probe144 and magnet 140 are shown in the alternative positions.

It will be noted there are three (3) basic head bodies 4, specificallythe open 40A, 40D (FIG. 2 and FIG. 8), the pole piece 40B (FIGS. 5 and6), and the polar solenoid 40C (FIG. 7). A volumetric control such as inConry U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113 can be operatively secured to the inlet ofthe open body. It may be that the latter two can be in a single body. Asingle embodiment of data transmitter module 76 is preferably useable inall of these different heads 12, 12B, 12C, 12D. This data transmittermodule 76 may also be used with conventional dispensing heads such asthat of Conry U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of the electronics and basic genericcomponentry for an all inclusive generic electronic module having boththe control module 48 and data transmitter module 76 for all of thedispensing heads 12, 12B, 12C, 12D.

The battery 54 is connected to a power control circuit 154 which isunder the operative control of either the attitude sensitive switch 52and/or an independent bottle lock or otherwise operable on/off switch156. Between the attitude switch 52 and power control circuit 154 is abounce circuit or delay 158 to prevent false signals or jiggling of theswitch 52 to start the circuits. An optional battery charger circuit 160may have an integrated inductive power coil 162, or may beconventionally connectable to a discrete charge pack (not shown) by aconventional co-axial connector.

The power control circuit 154, when activated by either of the switches52, 156, provides battery 54 power to the clock chip 58, a programmabledelay counter 164, and a code encoder 166. The clock chip 58 is providedwith a timer crystal 167, the timer circuit 64, the temperaturecompensation transducer 149, and the fractional unit switch 112. Theprogrammable delay counter 164 has two adjustments, the first adjustment(such as adjustable resistor R1 in FIG. 3) is for an initial pouringdelay to extend the relative time of the first pour (for example anadditional 300 m sec), and a second adjustment (such as adjustableresistor R3 in FIG. 3) for varying the relative standard pour time toaccommodate different flow rates for various and different viscosityliquids. The outputs from the programmable delay counter 164 go to thecode encoder 166 and to a hardware driver 168. The driver 168 has firstoutput terminals 170 connectable (or connected) to the annunciator(s),50, 50B, and second output terminals 172 connectable (or connected) toeither of the solenoid coils 104, 128 for annunciation and/or control ofthe pour start/stop structure and function. Note that the annunciators50, 50B can be combined into a single bi-color LED that can be driven bychanging polarities from the driver 168 to provide a first color blinkfor the fractional unit and a second color blink for the integral unit.Note that the driver 168 also provides changing polarity for the polarsolenoid coil 128.

The data transmitter module 76 includes the code encoder 166, the bottlelock (on/off) switch 156, a code (jumper) switch 174, a radio frequency(RF) emitter 176 and the RF antenna 16. The encoder 166 receives inputsfrom the bottle lock switch 156, the tilt switch 52 via the powercontrol circuit 154, from the programmable delay counter 164 and fromthe clock 58 via a time out circuit 165 that provides a signalaccumulative total time has timed out and that all of the liquid hasbeen dispensed and that the bottle 14 is now empty. Output from theencoder 166 is fed to the RF emitter 176 and to the RF antenna 16. It ispreferred that the encoder 166 has at least a 12 bit output code andcode switch 174. It is contemplated than the RF emitter 176 and RFantenna 16 could be replaced by an erasable ROM unit, whereby dispensingdata could be stored and subsequently be transmitted by being read by anelectronic interrogator (not shown). The entire structure of both thecontrol module 48 and data transmitter module 76 are on a single highdensity electronic chip.

FIG. 11 is a schematic of the code pulse train of the data transmittermodule 76 for and/or in the heads 12, 12B, 12C, 12D. A preferred pulsetrain has twelve (12) bits, or more as desired, and time is shownstarting at the left and progressing to the right. The spacing to theleft of the code train is the time delay imposed by the bounce or delaycircuit 158 to be certain that the mode change of the tilt switch 52 isa valid indication of a dispensing pour.

Bit one (1) indicates start of the code train and may have a uniquefrequency to stand out from the other bits.

Bits two through nine (2-9) provide a digital code to identify theparticular head 12 which is having an event. An eight bit identification(ID) code provides for two hundred fifty six (0-255) separateidentification numbers for the heads 12; more bits for ID would providemore unique identification capability. Each head 12 has a unique ID codenumber. This head 12 code will be correlated to the product in theadjoined bottle 14, as will be explained. The illustrated bottle code isshown to be number 078.

Bit ten (10) indicates whether the head 12 is on or off the bottle 14.Bit ten changes state when the head 12 is removed or placed upon abottle 14 and is effected by the state the lock switch 156.

Bit eleven (11) indicates whether the tilt switch 52 indicates the head12 is upright (no pour) or inverted (dispensing). Bit eleven changesstates as the head 12 is moved between upright and inverted, orvice-versa as the head is moved from inverted to upright, and isinitially effected by the state of the tilt switch 52.

Bit twelve (12) indicates the contents of the bottle 14 have been pouredout and that the bottle 14 either has liquid in it, or is empty, as willbe explained. Bit twelve is originated by a signal in the time outcircuit 165 from a cumulative time counter in the clock 58. Additionalbits may be used for additional functional designations as necessaryand/or desired.

FIG. 12 is disposed below and is aligned with FIG. 11, and illustratesprimary events or phases that any head 12 participates in with one ormore bottles 14. Initially in phase one (1) the head 12 is off of thebottle and is electrically quiet because the bottle lock 134 and switch156 indicate the head 12 is not on a bottle 14 and the electronics aredisabled to conserve and minimize usage of battery 54 power and toenable the head 12 to be cleaned and handled without causing spurioussignal transmission or false counting of dispensing.

Phase two (2) illustrates the digital bottle connections signal for thehead 12 being initially placed upon an upright bottle 14; the uniquesignal change being in bit ten. Note that the head 12 code in bits twothrough nine identifies head number 078.

Phase three (3) is loading of bottle content code into the computer 24via a keyboard or the laser bar code reader 23 which is operativelyconnected to the computer 24.

Phase four (4) is initiation of dispensing due to inversion of thebottle 14 and head 12. Bottle number 078 is identified and bit elevenindicates the head 12 has been inverted and a pour has started.

Phase five (5) is the return of the bottle 14 and head 12 to upright,this being indicated by the state change of bit eleven and indicatestermination of dispensing.

Phase six (6) is recording by the computer 24 of the events in states 5and 6 for the particular head 12 and beverage identified in state two.

Phase seven (7) repeats states 4, 5 and 6 repeatedly, as necessary todispense all liquid from the particular bottle 14.

Phase eight (8) indicates the bottle 14 is empty, as counted by theclock 58 and signaled by the time-out circuit 165 and the radio module76. The indication of this event is in the state change of bit twelve.

Phase nine (9) indicates the head 12 has been removed from the bottle14; by state change of bit ten. Bits eleven and twelve may signal eitherstate in phase (9), depending upon attitude of the bottle 14 and head12, when the head 12 is removed from the bottle 14.

The head 12 and data transmitter module 76 then loop back to phase one,and the head 12 is readied for subsequent installation upon a new fullbottle 14. It is important that the data transmitter module 76 iscompletely electrically disabled and quiet at all times, exceptimmediately after a data event has occurred and the data event signal isbeing transmitted. The control module 48 is electrically disabled andquiet at all times, except for during dispensing, to conserve battery 54power.

It is desirable to have the data transmitter module 76 periodicallyvalidate that its battery 54 has an operative charge, and that the head12 and control module 48 and data transmitter module 76 are properlyoperable. The data transmitter module 76 can be programmed toperiodically (i.e. once a day, during off hours) emit a validationsignal that can be interpreted as such by the computer 24. An example ofsuch a validation signal, without utilizing an additional code bit, istwo immediately consecutive stop dispense signals that are not precededby a start pour signal.

FIG. 13 is a timing diagram of events in the head 12, dispensingannunciator/control module 48 and the data transmitter module 76 duringa dispensing event. Firstly at time zero, the bottle 14 and head 12 areinverted and closing of the tilt switch 52 causes a validated dispensingstart signal that feeds through as previously described causing the datatransmitter module 76 to provide a start pour code signal pulse aspreviously described. The data transmitter module 76 then goes silent.Within the control module 48 the clock 58 begins pulsing time periodsthat are internally counted both the head 12. The computer 24 is alsocounting the time period with a separate clock structure in the computer24. The delay circuit 64, and/or delay counter 164 causes an initialtime delay at the very beginning of dispensing. The subsequent dispensedunits (i.e. shot 2, shot 3, and shot 4) are timed out in identical equalunits of X time, specifically T₂ =T₃ =T₄ =T . . . =X counts. During thedispensing of these subsequent units, the flow rate is relativelyconstant and therefore the time units are constant. However T₁ is longerthan T₂ because of the relatively slow flow rate at the beginning,therefore T₁ =X+D, wherein D=the delay time effected by the delaycircuit 64 and/or the delay counter 164. There are more total clockpulses in T₁ than in the subsequent T periods. If a fractional unit ofliquid is being dispensed, i.e. a half-shot, the initial time periodwill be the fraction plus the delay, i.e. T/2+D in the case of thehalf-shot.

If the head 12 is of the valved type, specifically, head 12B or 12C,then an automatic shut-off is typically seen at the end of period T₁ andsuch is shown in dotted line on the top event scale. The annunciator 50enablement is shown in the center event scale and the relative clockpulses are shown in the bottom scale. As shown in the top scale, thedispensing events begin with the emitting of the start pour code. If thehead 12 is of the open pour type, specifically 12A or 12D, the pour willcontinue on and on as shown and may go to four and a fraction units asshown in the central scale, or less, or more as desired by thebartender. If so, the annunciator 50 will be enabled four (4) times toindicate at least four (4) integral units were dispensed. At shut off,the head 12D having the data transmitter module 76, will transmit a stoppour code pulse signal to the receiver 20 and the data transmittermodule 76 will then go silent. Upon receipt of the stop pour codesignal, the computer 24 will record and/or calculate what XYZ productwas dispensed, when it was dispensed, the quantity of XYZ productdispensed, cumulative inventory information, probable gross sales, andother desirable business information using appropriate hardware andsoftware. The clock 58 will keep a cumulative count of liquid dispensedand when the control module 48 calculates that the bottle 14 is empty, atime out (i.e. all liquid has been dispensed) is fed from the clock 58to the data transmitter module 76 for an "empty" code signal and thehead 12 terminates electrical function and shuts down the datatransmitter module 76.

As is apparent in FIG. 1, several heads 12 can simultaneously orconcurrently pour; and the receiver 20 and computer 24 can handle all ofthe overlapping dispensing and data. The receiver 20 receives only theevent change signals and these are only milliseconds (or less) long fortransmission and receipt of the entire data code from each datatransmitter module 76.

It is to be understood that not all signals are necessary for everycombination of dispensing. The reason being that whereas heads 12A and12D are free pour, heads 12B and 12C have integral volumetric control,and head 12D may also have optional volumetric control.

Following is a table of the minimum necessary signals for effectivenessof the system 10, at least as presently understood.

    ______________________________________                    Control      Data Module    Head            Module Signals                                 Signals    ______________________________________    Annunciator Head 12A                    Finish       Start & Finish    Drop Valve Head 12B                    Finish       Start & Finish    Schuttle Valve Head 12C                    Start        A Single Signal    Open Data Head 12D                    None         Start & Finish    ______________________________________

This new and improved method and apparatus 10 is relatively low cost. Anon-rechargeable battery 54 in the head 12 has a cycle life of up to500,000 units of dispensing, or for the useful life of the head 12. A5.6 volt lithium battery 54 will provide 5,000,000 blinks of theannunciator 50 LED. This method and apparatus 10 provides for securityand accountability in all kinds of liquid and beverage servingestablishments, both to the owners and to governmental agencies.

FIG. 14 is an alternative centrally programmable preferred system 10A,wherein the control module 48A is provided with a memory-datamicro-processor 178 mini computer such as an 80256 chip, whichpreferably has an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), operatively connected to the hardware drive 168 and anelectronically adjustable data encoder 174A. The data processor 178 isconnected to a data receiver 180 having a data jack 182 which isoperatively connectable to the interrogator 25.

The data encoder 174A is normally blank. When the head 12 is mountedupon a bottle 14, the adjoined head 12 and bottle 14 are brought intooperative proximity to charging coil 162 or to the interrogator 25 andbar code reader 23 respectively. The bar code reader 23 reads theproduct bar code on the bottle 14 and this information is fed into thecomputer 24. The computer 24 in response electronically assigns anidentification (I.D.) number to the head 12, correlates this I.D. numberwith the product in this specific bottle 14, assigns a predeterminednominal dispensing time (T) to the head 12 to correlate to theparticular liquid product, and assigns a time delay (TD) for the initialstart-up of the pour, for the particular liquid product. The computer 24has a program and/or all data for flow rates, monetary valves and soforth for all bar coded liquid products to be used with the heads 12.With this alternative system 10A, the heads 12 no longer need adedicated I.D. number; the heads 12 will be supplied with a relative"zero" out on the encoder 174A and the computer 24 will electronicallyset the encoder 174A upon loading of the head 12 to the bottle 14. Thehead 12 may have a data transmitter module 76A with an RF antenna 16 aspreviously described, or be provided with a dispensing data storagememory 184 which is connected to the data receiver and transmitter 180and to the data jack 182. The stored historic dispensing information maybe subsequently transmitted to the computer 24 via the interrogator 25.An interrogator 25 of electromagnetic or fiber optic type would beappropriate for the system 10A. This system 10A with in-head storage ofhistoric dispensing data, is appropriate where RF transmission isundesirable or not wanted. The in-head storage of dispensing data maybeutilized with either the RF emitter 176, or the interrogator 25, 182.The programmable processor 178 maybe used with either the RF emitter 176and RF antenna 16, or with the interrogator 25, 182. The inductivecharging coil 162A may also be operatively connected to function so acurrent loop or bi-directional data loop to feed programming materialinto the microprocessor 178 via an alternative battery charger 160Awhich may be operatively connected to function as both charger and adata transceiver or solely as a data transceiver. The interrogator 25would then transmit and receive through the coil 162A and the effectivetransceiver 160A.

FIG. 15 is a cross-section of a production embodiment of a dispensinghead 12E based upon the concept shown and described in and with respectto FIGS. 5 and 6. The head 12E is shown embodied in a body 40E somewhatlike Conry U.S. Pat. No. 3,321,113. Completely within the body 40E andwithin the bottle 14, are the ferrous valve 90E, the valve chamber 80E,the valve seat 82E, the liquid inlets 78E, the pole piece 88E, thepermanent magnet 100E, the coil 104E, the complete control module 48Eand radio module 76E in a single chip, the battery 54E and the startswitch 52E. The antenna 16E is with the modules 48E, 76E, inside of thebody 40E and the bottle 14. The specific construction of the head 12E isquite ingenious. The valve 90E is placed in the body 40E. The pole piece88E is embedded and/or sonic welded into a plastic toroid or bobbin 186and this assembly is pressed into and/or sonic welded in the body 40E tocapture the valve 90E. A complete operative assembly of this bobbin 186and coil 104E, the magnet 100E, modules and antenna 48E, 76E, 16E andbattery 54E is secured to the body 40E and operatively the pole piece88E, and a plastic cap 188 is sonic welded to the body 40E tohermetically encapsulate the electronics. The head 12E is ready to gowith enough battery 54E power for up to 5,000,000 cycles of dispensing.The entire assembly of the coil 104E, modules and antenna 48E, 76E, 16E,and the battery is about 8 mm diameter and about 40 mm long. It is verysmall and is in the body 40E upstream of the valve 90E and valve seat82E.

FIG. 16 illustrates the valve 90E being dropped from a normal position90EN magnetically latched to and suspended from the pole piece 88E downto a closed position 90EC on the valve seat 82E. Normal flow of liquidis through lower liquid inlets 78EL and upper liquid inlets 78EV enablea liquid flow on top of the valve 90E to allow the valve 90E to dropfreely off of the pole piece 88E and downward through the valve chamber80E. The upper inlets 78EV also drain liquid back into the bottle 14when the bottle 14 and head 12E are returned to upright.

FIG. 17 is an schematic cross-section of a preferred alternative of ashuttle valve head 12F based upon the concepts shown and discussed inand with respect to FIG. 7. In the head 12F the core 116F is ferrous andnon-magnetic. Both of the pole plates 124F, 126F are permanent magnetsand have like poles (N, N, shown) facing each other. The coil 128 iswired to the control module 48 and battery 54 so that the coil ismomentarily energized with an opposite (i.e. South) field on top toneutralize the N field of pole plate 126F and drop the core 116F tochange the state of the valves 120F, 129F. The core 116F then latches tothe bottom pole plate 124F. The next energization of the coil 128provides a like field (N) on top and an opposite field (S) on the bottomthat neutralizes the N field of pole plate 124F and pulls the core 116Fup to pole plate 126F whereupon it again latches. The valves 120F, 129Fare shown opened and closed respectively when down; this operation couldbe reversed.

None of the dispensing heads 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E are physicallyconnected to or are physically tethered to the data center 22, and allare physically untethered and may be moved around as desired. However,all may be electronically tethered to a relatively intelligent datacenter 22. These methods and apparatus are economically effective withthe least cost beverage in low selling price situations, also with themost expensive beverages in the most expensive price situations. Thesemethods and apparatus may also prove to be very valuable in thetransportation industry, inclusive of aircraft, ships, buses, and soforth. The methods and apparatus may also find domestic and/or officeacceptance and be effective for prevention of liquor theft by juvenilesand/or employees.

Many other advantages, features and additional objects of the presentinvention will become manifest to those working in or versed in the artupon making reference to and use of the detailed description andaccompanying drawings in which the preferred embodiment incorporatingthe principles of the present inventions are set forth and shown by wayof illustrative example.

Although other advantages will be found and realized and variousmodifications will be suggested by those working in or versed in theart, be it understood that I embody within the scope of the patenthereon, all such embodiments as reasonably and properly come within thescope of my contribution to the art.

I claim as my invention:
 1. A method of dispensing beverage from aplurality of bottles comprising the steps ofa) connecting a discretedispensing head to each bottle; b) electronically reading the bottle andelectronically identifying the specific beverage product therein; and c)electronically programming the head to pour a predetermined quantity ofsaid specific beverage through said head, during manual inversion of theconnected bottle and head.
 2. The method of claim 1, including thefurther step of transmitting head and bottle identification data anddispensing operation data by radio from each head to a receiver only ateach start and at each termination of dispensing operation.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, including the further step of electronicallyassigning an identification number to each head after connecting of thehead to a bottle.
 4. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprisinga) aplurality of individual remote dispensing heads, each head having apouring spout, connector means for connecting the head to a singleindividual bottle, a battery, means for electronically identifying anddistinguishing the head, dispensing data means for providing dispensingdata, and an electrical dispensing switch for connecting the battery tothe data means during dispensing from the bottle; b) bottle readerelectronic means for identifying the beverage, bottle connected to eachhead; c) a remote receiver operatively connected to said bottle readerelectronic means and having means for receiving electronic headdistinguishing identification and electronic dispensing data from eachhead; and d) means connected to said receiver for computing andproviding dispensing data on each head and each beverage.
 5. Adispensing apparatus comprisinga) a body with a bottle connector, aliquid pouring bore through said connector, and an air vent through saidconnector, said body being invertible together with a bottle connectedthereto; b) programmable electronic control means secured to said bodyfor providing a signal to stop dispensing through said bore; and c) aremote central data center having means for uniquely programming anidentity and the function of said control means to signal a dispensingstop upon a predetermined quantity of liquid having been dispensedthrough said bore during inversion of the head and bottle.
 6. A methodof dispensing beverage comprising the steps ofa) connecting a pluralityof discrete dispensing heads, one each to a plurality of discretebeverage bottles; b) electronically reading each bottle and identifyingthe specific beverage therein; c) electronically coding each head foridentification of dispensing of the specific beverage therefrom; d)electronically transmitting coded identification and dispensing eventdata from all the connected bottles and heads to a remote data center;and e) providing a record of dispensing data for each head and eachspecific beverage.
 7. Beverage dispensing apparatus, comprisinga) a headhaving a body with a bottle connector, a liquid pouring bore throughsaid connector and an air vent through said connector, said head beingmanually invertible together with a connected bottle for dispensing ofbeverage therefrom; b) electronic identification means on said head foridentifying the head from other similar heads; and c) electronic meansremote from said head for electronically coding said head identificationmeans.
 8. A method of dispensing liquid from bottles comprising thesteps of:a) connecting a plurality of individual remote dispensing headsone each to a plurality of normally upright individual bottles; b)sensing a start of manual dispensing from each individual bottle; c)transmitting a radio signal from each individual dispensing head to aremote receiver that (1) dispensing has started and (2) identifying theparticular head that is dispensing; d) sensing termination of manualdispensing from the dispensing individual head; e) transmitting a secondand discrete radio signal from the individual dispensing head to thereceiver that (1) dispensing has been terminated, and (2) identifyingthe individual head; and f) providing a data record of the dispensingfrequency and duration of each individual and remote head.
 9. The methodof claim 8, including the further step of timing the dispensing in thehead, and annunciating a sensory termination signal upon completion ofdispensing of a predetermined quantity of liquid, and then manuallyterminating dispensing liquid flow.
 10. The method of claim 9, includingthe further step of electronically programming the head timing, whilethe head is connected to the bottle, with the data center.
 11. Abeverage dispensing system comprisinga) a plurality of individual remotedispensing heads, each head having a pouring spout, means for connectingof each head to a single bottle, an electrical switch for sensingdispensing through the head, a battery, and means for sending a firstradio signal indicating a start of dispensing and identity of theparticular head, and a second and discrete radio signal indicatingtermination of dispensing and identity of the particular head, saidsending means being silent between the first and second signals; b) aremote receiver for receiving the radio signals; and c) remote meansconnected to the radio receiver for identifying dispensing occurancesand time periods of dispensing for each individual head.
 12. A liquiddispensing system comprisinga. a dispensing head having a normally openpouring spout, means for connecting the head to a normally uprightbottle, and a normally open latched valve for closing the spout andstopping dispensing; b. a remote dispensing data center; c. means forsensing inversion of said head and bottle into a pouring position; d.means for sending a start signal to the data center that the head hasstarted pouring of liquid, for electronically closing said valve andstopping dispensing, and for sending a signal to the data center thatthe head has stopped pouring; e. means in said data center fordetermining and recording the quantity of liquid dispensed; and f. meansin said head for re-latching said valve in the normally open positionwhen the bottle and head are returned to the normal upright position.13. A method of dispensing liquid comprising the steps ofa. connecting anormally open dispensing head to a bottle of liquid; b. inverting theconnected head and bottle and free-pouring liquid therefrom; c. sendinga start signal to a data center that pouring has started; d. timing outa pouring period after inversion of the bottle; e. electronicallyclosing a normally open valve in the head upon conclusion of the pouringperiod; f. sending a stop signal to the data center that pouring hasstopped; g. determining and recording at the data center of the quantityof liquid dispensed; and h. latching the valve open immediately uponreversion of the bottle and head to a normally upright position.
 14. Ina liquid dispensing system having a plurality of dispensing heads, meansfor connecting each head to an individual bottle of liquid, a pour spouton each head, a battery in each head, means in each head for providingelectronic dispensing data, and a remote data center for receiving andrecording the data, the dispensing head improvement comprising:a) anormally open liquid valve in each head; b) permanent magnetic means formagnetically holding the valve open during inversion of the bottle andhead to a pouring position; and c) electronic means for electricallyneutralizing said permanent magnetic means for releasing said valve andeffecting valve closing while the bottle and head are pouring, toterminate dispensing.
 15. A method of pouring and recording generallyidentical quantities of liquid from a bottle comprising the steps ofa)connecting a dispensing head to a normally upright bottle having liquidtherein; b) manually inverting the bottle and attached head to aninverted pouring position; c) pouring a plurality of consecutivequantities from the inverted bottle and attached head during a singleinversion of the bottle and head, the quantities being generallyidentical; d) electrically timing and annunciating for each pouredquantity; e) providing a longer time period for a first poured quantityso that the first poured quantity is generally identical to subsequentpoured quantities; f) providing data on the start and then on the stopof the pouring to a remote data center; and g) determining the truequantity of poured liquid.
 16. Apparatus for dispensing and recording aplurality of generally identical quantities of liquid poured from aninverted bottle, comprisinga) a dispensing head having a pouring spout,means for connecting the head to a bottle of liquid, a switch forsensing dispensing from the bottle, and a source of electronic power; b)a timer connectible by said switch to said electronic power, said timerhaving means for repetitively timing pouring periods one after another;c) a pouring period annunciator operatively connected to said timer; d)means in said timer for providing an additional unit of time in thefirst pouring period, so that the first poured quantity is generallyequal to subsequent poured quantities in a single inversion of the headand bottle attached thereto; e) a remote pouring data center; f) meansin said head for providing pouring start and pouring stop data to saiddata center; and g) means in said apparatus for factoring the additionalunit of time and for determining the true quantity of liquid poured. 17.In a fluid dispensing system having a plurality of discrete dispensingheads, a dispensing data center remote from the heads, and means forproviding dispensing data from the heads to the data center, a codingsystem comprisinga) a dispensing start signal having data foridentifying and distinguishing each head; b) a dispensing stop signalhaving data for identifying and distinguishing each head; c) means insaid data center for determining the identity and quantity of liquiddispensed in a period between a start signal and a stop signal from anyone of said heads.
 18. A method of dispensing and recording a quantityof liquid, comprising the steps ofa) pouring a quantity of liquid andsending a coded signal that pouring has started; b) receiving the signalat a remote data center; c) stopping the pouring of liquid and sending acoded signal that pouring has stopped; d) coding both signals with datafor identifying and distinguishing the specific liquid; and e)determining and recording in the data center the identity and quantityof liquid dispensed, solely on the basis of said two signals.
 19. Amethod of dispensing liquid, comprising the steps ofa) free-pouringliquid from an open-spouted free-pour dispensing head, and manuallystopping the dispensing pour regardless of specific time or quantity; b)pouring subsequent liquid from a fixed volumetric dispensing head havinga valve in a spout of the dispensing head, and automatically controllingthe quantity of liquid per pour; c) providing dispensing data from bothheads to a remote dispensing data center; and d) using an identical datacode system with both the free-pour head and the fixed volumetric head.20. A liquid dispensing system havinga) a plurality of dispensing headsthat each have means for being connected to a bottle, said heads beingcomprised of a mix of1) a first type being free-pour, and 2) a secondtype having volumetric control; b) a remote dispensing data center; c)means for providing dispensing data from said heads to said data center;and d) a single and common data code system in both the first and secondtype of dispensing heads.
 21. A liquid dispensing system comprisinga) aplurality of individual remote dispensing heads, each head having apouring spout, means for connecting the head to a bottle of liquid, abattery, electronic means for identifying and distinguishing the head,dispensing data means for providing dispensing data on the headsactivities, and an electrical dispensing switch for connecting thebattery to the data means upon dispensing from the bottle; b) a remotedata center having a receiver having means for receiving electronicidentification and dispensing data from each head, and means forcollecting and providing dispensing data on each head and liquid; c)means in said head data means for sending a single coded pulse startsignal from the head upon initiation of dispensing from the head, forsilencing said head data means after the single signal and duringdispensing, and for then sending a single coded pulse stop signal fromthe head upon termination of dispensing from the head, both the startsignal and the stop signal containing a head identification code; d)means in said data center for calculating the identity and quantity ofliquid dispensed in the time interval between the start and stopsignals; and e) said heads being any one, or any combination of thefollowing types of pouring heads:1) free-pour, 2) volumetricallycontrolled with a valved start and a valved stop, and 3) volumetricallycontrolled with a free-pour start and valve stop.
 22. The system ofclaim 12, in which said valve is magnetic and movable, in which saidre-latching means is a permanent magnet, and in which a closing meansincludes an electrical coil in proximity to said magnet for momentarycancelling a field of the magnet and causing dropping of the movablemagnetic valve to close the spout.
 23. The method of claim 13, in whichsaid step of electronically closing includes momentarily cancelling apermanent magnet field and dropping a magnetic responsive valve memberfrom a permanent magnet to a valve thereby fluidly closing the normallyopen head to flow of liquid there through.
 24. The system of claim 14,in which said valve is a movable magnetic responsive ball, in which saidpermanent magnetic means is a magnet upon which the ball is normallylatched, and in which said electronic means includes an electromagneticcoil to cancel the field of the magnet and cause dropping of the ballupon a valve seat.